17 Mile House Farm Park is part of a 70-acre Arapahoe County Open Space which includes an 1860s mile house, barn and silo along the historic Smoky Hill/Cherokee Trail route to Denver. It was originally a log cabin, much of which can still be seen.

During the 1859-1860 gold rush and settlement of Colorado, six way stations emerged along the Cherry Creek to accommodate travelers. These houses were named based on their distances to downtown Denver. Here travelers could get meals, spend the night, and rest their animals. Of the original mile houses, only 17 Mile House and 4 Mile House exist today.

In 2001, nine entities joined together in an attempt to preserve this historic site. 17 Mile House is located at 8181 S. Parker Rd. on the southern edge of Arapahoe County where three adjoining open space properties serve as a regional wildlife corridor and biking/walking trail.

CCVHS helped put 17 Mile House on the National Register of Historic Places and is assisting with its current restoration. Become a volunteer by contacting the Cherry Creek Valley Historical Society

Upcoming Events

TOURSGuests can step back in time during a visit to 17 Mile House Farm Park, a 155-year old property which served as an important resting stop for pioneers traveling on the Cherokee/Smoky Hill wagon trails in the 1860s. You can learn all about the history of the property and its significance to the Old West during a complimentary tour, guided by the Cherry Creek Valley Historical Society. This Arapahoe County heritage area includes an historic house, red barn, silo and milk shed – restored to their known condition in the early 1900s. Other features include replica windmills, 30 acres of open space, a trailhead to the Cherry Creek Regional Trail, picnic tables, parking and restrooms.

For more information on the 17 Mile House Farm Park and a list of open houses and tour dates, please see the Arapahoe County website.